If you are a food handling employee, you hold your customers’ health and safety in your hands. The more you know about food safety, the easier it can be to keep them safe. That’s why a food handler card, also known as food handler certification, is so important. You receive such a certificate after learning about food safety in a dedicated course.
If you’re about to enter the food industry, you’ll need your food handlers license before long. If you’re unsure how to get it, keep reading:
How to Get a Food Handlers Card
Getting your food safety certification for safe food handling in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) makes it straightforward. You can take these steps below:
- Choose a food handler training program from the list of programs with TXDSHS accreditation
- Visit their website and locate the Texas Food Handlers Card page
- Enroll in the program and complete it at your own pace
- Download your certificate
Why Get a Food Handler Permit?
While obtaining your food handler card online is fast and convenient, you may still not be convinced that it’s the right move for you. However, now might be the right time to acquire your food handler card for the following reasons:
1. For Legal Reasons
If you’re a food service worker in Texas, you must have a food handler’s card under Texas Food Establishment Rules. The law requires you to obtain your food handler’s permit within 30 days of employment.
2. To Keep Customers Safe
Food handler courses enable you to learn all about food safety to keep your customers safe. There is a great deal of helpful information on avoiding cross-contamination, maintaining food temperatures, practicing good personal hygiene, and more.
3. Employer Requirements
Many food-related businesses won’t hire employees without food handler cards. You may not be an employer’s first choice to be hired if you don’t have one. Alternatively, you must prioritize getting one within 30 days of your employment commencing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Safety Certification in Texas
If you’re new to the food service industry or plan on entering it soon, it’s only natural to have questions. You may not be aware of the credentials you need to have or if there’s anything specific you need to do to obtain your food safety certification.
Below, you can learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about food handler certification in Texas:
1. Can you get a food handlers permit at 15?
Many people ask, ‘Can you get a food handlers permit at 14, 15, or 16?’ Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, you can get a food handlers permit to work in food service in Texas. There is no minimum age requirement for someone to enroll in a food handler permit program so they can receive their Texas food handlers card and serve food safely.
2. Who must get food handler training?
In Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services requires all food employees to complete an approved food handler training course within 30 days of employment. This rule falls under Texas Food Establishment Rules.
3. Where can I find an accredited food handler program?
You can get your food handler card online! There are dozens of TXDSHS-approved training program providers online to choose from.
4. How long is a food handlers license valid?
Your food handler card or certificate is valid for two years from when it was issued or up until the date visible on your card or certificate.
Obtain Your Food Handler Card Online with TABC Pronto
Do you want to serve delicious food and keep your customers safe? Enroll in our Texas Food Handlers Card today. Our course is 100% approved by the Texas State Board of Food Handlers. Learn more at TABC Pronto now!